Set Up a Windows 11 Mobile Hotspot to Share Internet with Other Devices
Difficulty: Beginner | Time Required: 10 minutesHaving a reliable internet connection on multiple devices can be a headache when you’re on the go, traveling, or in a home with limited Wi‑Fi coverage. A Windows 11 Mobile Hotspot turns your PC into a portable router, letting phones, tablets, and other laptops share the PC’s internet connection. It’s quick to set up and works with Ethernet or cellular connections, making it a handy tool for quick internet sharing.
Whether you’re using Windows 11 21H2 or the newer 22H2 build, the steps below apply. Windows 10 users can also follow similar steps (Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot) if you’re still mixing devices in your network.
Prerequisites
- A Windows PC with a working internet connection and a functional Wi‑Fi adapter (built‑in or USB).
- Administrative access on the PC to change network settings.
- An active internet source to share (Ethernet is the most reliable for hotspot sharing; cellular data plans also work if you’re on a laptop with a cellular module or a USB dongle).
- A device to connect (smartphone, tablet, another PC, etc.) and the password you’ll create for the hotspot.
Step-by-step Instructions
1) Open the Mobile Hotspot settings- Windows 11: Open Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot.
- Windows 10: Open Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
- Tip: If you don’t see Mobile hotspot right away, use the Windows search (Ctrl + S) and type “mobile hotspot” to jump there quickly.
- In Windows 11/10, look for the option that says “Share my Internet connection from.” If you’re connected by Ethernet, select Ethernet. If you’re using a cellular or other wireless adapter as your internet source, choose that device.
- Important: You typically can’t share a wireless connection via the same Wi‑Fi adapter that’s connected to that network. For best results, use Ethernet or a separate network source when available.
- Flip the toggle to “On” (or “Share my Internet connection with other devices” in some builds).
- If you don’t see the toggle immediately, scroll a bit within the Mobile hotspot page to locate it.
- Click or tap the “Edit” button (or “Configure”).
- Change the Network name (SSID) to something recognizable (e.g., “HomeOffice-Hotspot”).
- Set a strong password (WPA2/WPA3) to keep unauthorized users out.
- Save or Apply changes.
- After saving, the page will display the exact SSID and password. Write these down or take a quick photo if needed.
- If you have “Turn on remotely” or similar options (available in some Windows versions), you can enable or disable that setting based on your needs. For most users, leaving it off is perfectly fine.
- On the device you want to connect, open Wi‑Fi settings.
- Find the hotspot’s SSID you just created and select it.
- Enter the password you configured.
- Once connected, you should have internet access on that device.
- You can monitor the connected devices from the same Mobile hotspot settings page (look for a section that lists connected devices).
- If the hotspot feels sluggish, you can switch the source (from Ethernet to another adapter) or turn off devices that aren’t in use.
- In the Mobile hotspot settings, toggle the hotspot back to Off.
- This helps conserve your data plan and battery life.
- Some Windows builds offer a Power saving option to turn off the hotspot after a period of inactivity. Consider enabling this if you don’t want the hotspot running all the time.
Tips and Troubleshooting Notes
- If other devices can’t see your hotspot:
- Double-check that the hotspot is turned on and the SSID/password are correct.
- Ensure your PC’s Wi‑Fi adapter is enabled and not in airplane mode.
- Update your wireless adapter driver via Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website.
- If you’re sharing from Ethernet, confirm the Ethernet connection is active and has an internet source.
- If you can’t connect after entering the password:
- Re-check the password for case sensitivity.
- Re-create the hotspot (change the SSID and password, then connect again).
- Temporarily disable any VPNs or firewall rules that might block local network traffic.
- Device limit and performance:
- Most Windows hotspots handle several connections, but there is typically a practical limit (often around 8 devices). If you’re running into connection limits, remove some devices from the hotspot’s connected list or turn the hotspot off and on again to reset the session.
- Battery and data usage:
- Hotspots can drain your PC’s battery quickly; plug in your laptop if you’ll be sharing for extended periods.
- Be mindful of data usage if you’re on a metered plan. Consider monitoring data through your device’s data usage settings.
- Security considerations:
- Always use a strong, unique password for the hotspot.
- Prefer WPA2/WPA3 security settings when available.
- Disable the hotspot when not in use to prevent unintended access.
- Windows version notes:
- Windows 10 (introduced Mobile hotspot feature with various updates) provides a straightforward path: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
- Windows 11 (21H2 and 22H2) maintains the same workflow but may present UI refinements in Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot. If you’re on newer builds, look for similar labels and terms.
- Troubleshooting if the hotspot won’t enable:
- Restart your PC and try again.
- Check for Windows updates; a patch could fix hotspot-related issues.
- Temporarily disable VPNs or security software to test whether they’re interfering with sharing.
Conclusion
A Windows 11 Mobile Hotspot is a simple, built‑in solution for sharing your PC’s internet with phones, tablets, and other devices—perfect for travel, a temporary workspace, or areas with weak wireless coverage. It works with Ethernet or other internet sources, requires minimal setup, and keeps you in control with easy name/password customization and device monitoring.Key benefits:
- Quick, on‑the‑fly internet sharing without third‑party apps.
- Works with common sources like Ethernet or cellular connections.
- Easy to secure with a strong password and updatable network name.
- Helpful for keeping multiple devices connected on the go or during network outages.
This tutorial was generated to help WindowsForum.com users get the most out of their Windows experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Quick, built‑in way to share internet with multiple devices using your PC.
- Easy setup with customizable SSID and password for secure access.
- Works with Ethernet or other internet sources; monitor connected devices and disconnect when done.
- Helpful for travel, outages, and spots with weak Wi‑Fi coverage.
